If you ask the average person what the best ways to protect themselves online are, they’ll give some true answers—but they’ll likely be different than the answers you’d get from a security researcher. Here’s the difference. »7/25/15 11:00am 7/25/15 11:00am

When you create files with most of Apple’s apps (and some third-party ones) it automatically saves several versions of that files so you can easily jump back to a previous version. This is great in most cases, but if you’re sharing your computer, you might not want people to have access. Six Colors points to a… »7/21/15 1:00pm 7/21/15 1:00pm

You won’t find Ashley Madison on any collections of Lifehacker recommendations. However, the site aimed at helping people in existing relationships have an affair has been hacked, with 37 million users’ data stolen. Worse yet, that data’s currently being held for ransom.»7/20/15 5:00am 7/20/15 5:00am

Setting up a new computer is hard enough, but if you’re privacy minded, things are even more complicated. This is especially the case with a Mac, which keeps all kinds of stuff behind the scenes. Whether you’re setting up a new system or installing a new version of OS X, now’s a good time to check your privacy… »7/08/15 8:00am 7/08/15 8:00am

When you first get a new Windows computer (or set up an old one), you might be focused on downloading your favorite apps and transferring your files. This is also a good time to configure your machine to protect your privacy.»7/07/15 8:00am 7/07/15 8:00am

When you think about protecting your privacy, you probably think about your Facebook data or text messages. However, as I learned while working for a private investigations company, most of us don’t fully understand how privacy works, how it extends beyond our browser history, or how we’re really vulnerable. »6/23/15 8:00am 6/23/15 8:00am

Windows/OS X: Disconnect, makers of our favorite privacy tools, unveiled a new desktop app designed to protect your computer from malware, adware, and spyware. There are two tiers: A free version that protects your browsing, and a premium version that encrypts your traffic using Disconnect’s VPN.»6/11/15 7:00am 6/11/15 7:00am

Twitter is full of scammers, harassers, and other sketchy accounts. Today, Twitter announced that you can now share block lists with other users, and import other users’ block lists to block massive amounts of sketchy accounts really fast. »6/10/15 1:30pm 6/10/15 1:30pm

This week, certain key sections of the notorious Patriot Act—the law that gives the NSA its snooping powers—automatically expired. Don’t get too excited just yet, though: they’re probably coming back with a few changes. Here’s what we know, and what it means for your privacy.»6/02/15 8:00am 6/02/15 8:00am

Hola Better Internet is a popular Firefox and Chrome extension that allows you to watch blocked content overseas. However, there’s something more nefarious going on behind the scenes: the company is selling the bandwidth of Hola users to anyone with money to buy, effectively turning its users into a botnet for hire. »5/28/15 12:15pm 5/28/15 12:15pm

You’re probably aware that Facebook collects a ton of information about you, but if you’re using the mobile Messenger app, that also means your location data as well. A new Chrome extension called Marauders Map lets anyone you’ve sent a message see that location information all at once. »5/27/15 9:00am 5/27/15 9:00am

Even if you don’t care about the privacy implications of tracking cookies and other technologies sites use to identify us online, you might want to turn on Tracking Protection in Firefox anyway for a potential big speed boost. »5/26/15 9:30am 5/26/15 9:30am

When it comes to protecting our data, many of us only place a high priority on certain important data like financial information or location. However, even seemingly mundane data can be used to paint a picture if you’re not careful to protect it. »5/23/15 1:00pm 5/23/15 1:00pm

Your privacy is important, even if our concern for it is often misplaced. Nowhere is it more misplaced than the tech we use at work. When you use office computers, phones, or other gear, you shouldn’t expect privacy. And yet, so many still do. Here’s why it doesn’t make sense, and what you can actually do if you want… »5/18/15 10:30am 5/18/15 10:30am

Identity theft has the potential to ruin lives, but it can also make you feel helpless if you’re a victim. The Federal Trade Comission (FTC) just took the wraps off of IdentityTheft.gov, a new resource designed to offer that much-needed help if your identity has been stolen. »5/15/15 2:00pm 5/15/15 2:00pm